Name: Italian Nutella Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 Cups all-purpose flour (sifted); 1/2 Cup Nutella; 2 eggs; 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 Teaspoon salt; Hazelnuts (chopped, for topping); 3 Tablespoons Nutella; 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 Tablespoons powdered sugar; 1.5 Tablespoons heavy cream

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 239 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and a love for all things chocolate-hazelnut, you are going to adore this Italian Nutella Cookies Recipe. These tender, melt-in-your-mouth treats are a delightful blend of simple ingredients that come together in a way that feels both luxurious and homey. Picture soft cookies with a rich Nutella center or a luscious Nutella buttercream filling, topped with crunchy hazelnuts for that perfect texture contrast. Whether you’re baking for a casual afternoon treat or a show-stopping dessert, this recipe is guaranteed to bring joy with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top-down view of various baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. On the left side, a large empty white bowl sits on top of a folded black and white checkered cloth. Below the bowl, a white bowl filled with white flour is placed next to two white eggs. To the right, a white cup filled with smooth chocolate spread is centered, flanked by four small white bowls: one with white butter chunks, one with light brown chopped nuts, one with white powdered sugar in a pale green bowl, and three measuring spoons holding white cream and a small amount of dark vanilla extract. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Italian Nutella Cookies Recipe uses straightforward ingredients, each playing an essential role in the final flavor and texture. The flour provides the right structure while the Nutella brings that famous creamy, chocolatey hazelnut goodness. Fresh eggs bind everything together, and a hint of vanilla and salt deepens the flavor. Plus, there’s a simple, dreamy buttercream filling option if you want to elevate the indulgence even more.

1 1/2 Cups all-purpose flour (sifted): Makes the cookies soft and tender, while the sifting ensures no lumps for a smooth dough.
1/2 Cup Nutella: Adds that unmistakable, rich hazelnut chocolate flavor infused right into the dough.
2 eggs: Helps bind all the ingredients and gives the cookies a lovely rise and softness.
1 Teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds a subtle aromatic touch.
1/4 Teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the Nutella’s richness.
Hazelnuts (chopped, for topping): Offers a delightful crunch and nutty finish on each cookie.
3 Tablespoons Nutella (for filling): Option to fill the cookies with extra Nutella or make the buttercream.
3 Tablespoons unsalted butter (for filling): For a creamy, smooth buttercream texture.
3 Tablespoons powdered sugar (for filling): Sweetens and lightens the buttercream filling.
1.5 Tablespoons heavy cream (for filling): Adds richness and creaminess to the buttercream filling.

How to Make Italian Nutella Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Whip Nutella and Eggs

Start by whipping together the Nutella and eggs on medium speed for about 3 minutes. This process makes the mixture light and airy, which helps create cookies that are soft and fluffy yet full of that irresistible Nutella flavor.

Step 2: Incorporate Flour Gradually

Slowly add half of the sifted flour to the Nutella-egg mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Then add the remaining flour, taking care not to overmix. This gradual addition ensures your dough maintains a tender crumb without becoming tough.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Scrape the sides of your mixing bowl and gather all the dough into the center. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 25 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets

While your dough chills, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line one or two baking sheets with parchment paper, which prevents sticking and promotes even baking.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Remove the dough from the fridge. Using about 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie, roll into balls with your hands. Place the balls a few inches apart on your prepared sheets. This spacing lets the cookies spread without merging into one another during baking.

Step 6: Make the Indentations

Press a deep indentation into each cookie ball using your thumb, the end of a rolling pin, or another kitchen tool. The indentation should be well-defined but not through the dough. This depression is where your luscious filling will sit after baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes. They will come out slightly soft but will firm up as they cool, ensuring a tender yet sturdy cookie base perfect for the filling.

Step 8: Prepare the Filling

While the cookies cool, decide how you want to fill them. For a simple option, use plain Nutella. If you’re leaning into decadence, whip together Nutella, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and heavy cream with an electric mixer for about 5 minutes until light and fluffy to create a dreamy Nutella buttercream.

Step 9: Pipe and Garnish

Fill a pastry bag fitted with a star tip with your chosen filling. Pipe into each cooled cookie indentation in a swirling motion, building a pretty, textured topping. Finish by sprinkling chopped hazelnuts on top for that authentic Italian crunch.

How to Serve Italian Nutella Cookies Recipe

The image shows small chocolate cookie treats arranged on a white plate with a decorative looped rim, placed on a white marbled surface with green pine-like leaves around it. Each treat has two layers: the bottom is a smooth, round, light brown cookie base, and the top is a swirl of creamy chocolate frosting with a soft texture, topped with small pieces of chopped nuts. In the background, more treats sit on a cooling rack on the same white marbled surface. The scene is well-lit, highlighting the texture of the frosting and the cookies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Chopped hazelnuts are the classic, adding crunch and nutty flavor. You can also experiment with a dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate sweet touch or even a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for extra indulgence. Fresh raspberries on the side create a perfect tart contrast to the Nutella richness.

Side Dishes

These cookies are fantastic with a scoop of vanilla gelato, a classic pairing that enhances the Italian vibe. For a warm drink option, a cup of espresso or creamy cappuccino complements the chocolate-hazelnut notes beautifully. If you want something lighter, a glass of cold milk is always a comforting choice.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden board adorned with whole hazelnuts and fresh mint leaves for a cozy, inviting look. For parties, stack them in a clear jar layered with parchment paper to create an eye-catching display. You could even sandwich two cookies together with extra filling for double the delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Italian Nutella Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to 3 days. Keep them in a single layer to avoid smushing the delicate tops and fillings.

Freezing

These cookies freeze well, either baked or unbaked. For baked cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. This keeps them from sticking together. Freeze up to 2 months.

Reheating

To enjoy warm cookies, gently reheat them in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back that freshly-baked softness and reactivates the Nutella filling for an ooey-gooey experience you’ll love.

FAQs

Can I use a substitute for Nutella in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap Nutella with any chocolate-hazelnut spread of your choice. Just keep in mind that the flavor and sweetness might vary slightly, but the cookies will still be divine.

Is it necessary to chill the dough?

Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to shape and preventing excess spreading in the oven. While it’s possible to skip, the texture and presentation may not be as perfect.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, you can enjoy these cookies gluten-free. Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum for the best result.

How long do the cookies stay fresh?

If stored properly in an airtight container, Italian Nutella Cookies will stay fresh and delicious for about 3 days at room temperature and up to a week in the refrigerator.

What’s the best way to pipe the filling?

Using a pastry bag fitted with a star tip creates a beautiful, professional-looking swirl that holds its shape well. If you don’t have a pastry bag, a small spoon or a plastic sandwich bag with a corner cut off works in a pinch.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about a cookie that combines the classic flavors of Italy with the beloved creamy allure of Nutella. This Italian Nutella Cookies Recipe is not just easy to make but a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking it for yourself or sharing with friends, the balance of soft dough, rich filling, and crunchy nuts makes every bite a joy. Give it a try, and get ready for some serious cookie love!